Clark Pacific is contributing to the rehabilitation and expansion of the historic Joel M. Pritchard Building, a key part of Washington State’s legislative campus. Designed by architect Paul Thiry and constructed in 1958, the Pritchard Building is individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located south of the iconic Legislative Building, it was the final addition to the Olmsted-designed campus. Originally serving as the Washington State Library, the building was severely damaged during the 2001 Nisqually earthquake. DLR Group is leading the rehabilitation project (The Pritchard Building Rehabilitation and Expansion – DLR Group), which aims to preserve the Joel M. Pritchard Building’s historical character while enhancing its functionality for modern legislative use.
The project involves a four-story expansion of the existing facility, which includes seismic and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) upgrades, as well as interior renovations to restore the building’s dignity while providing a functional legislative workspace. The expansion will add a new wing for House of Representatives offices and features seismic stabilization for the building’s adjacent steep hillside. The building’s transformation from a mostly windowless book storage area into a bright, welcoming office space emphasizes a commitment to preserving the historical character of the building while modernizing it for 21st-century legislative functions. (Out of the Shadows: Bringing Light to a Modernist Icon – Work Design Magazine)
Clark Pacific is assisting with the renovations with 29,732 square feet of custom frame Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete (GFRC) panels, which will be used for the new facade. This will include wall panels, spandrels, sills, column covers, and infill, creating a cohesive design that integrates seamlessly with the existing structure. The use of A-board mix with form liner will ensure the facade complements the building’s historical aesthetic.
